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Car Auto Online | BMW M5 | BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5-Seriesexecutive car built by the BMW's Motor-sport division. BMW M5 made its debut in 1984at the Amsterd1am Motor Show,the 1st incarnation of the BMW M5 was hand-built utilizing the BMW M535i chassisand a modified BMW M1 engine,being the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its introduction.Subsequent iterations of the BMW M5 have been built from each generation of the5-Series platform,including the E34,E39,E60 / E61,and most recently,F10,with the 1st orders to be delivered in late2011.

Because of the durability of the M5' nameplate and a position at the top of the BMW in the formulation of medium-sized BMW M5 remains one of the most popular sport sedans, despite competition from Mercedes-AMG and Audi quattro GmbH.

BMW M5 was preceded in1980 by BMW M535i,the 3rd road going car to emerge from the BMW Motor-sport workshop.While the BMW 3.0CSL and BMW M1 had been limited production,purpose built sports cars,theM535i was a reworked 5-series sedan fitted with the BMW M30B35 engine.

BMW M5 E28

The 1st BMW M5, based on the BMW E28 5 Series,made its debut atAmsterdam Motor Show in February1984.It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon(sedan),but the overall performance of a sports car.It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from the BMW M1.At its launch,the BMW E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.

The 1st generation BMW M5 was hand-built in Preußenstrasse / Munich prior to the1986 Motorsport factory summer vacation.Thereafter, BMW M5 production was moved to Daimlerstraße in Garching where the remainder were built by hand.InMay1987, the keys to the1000th car were presented to Mr.and Mrs.Krampertz from Eichenau near Munich by Wolfgang Peter Flohr, the director of BMW Motorsport GmbH.It is worth noting that production of the M5 continued until November 1988, well after production of the E28 chassis ended in Germany inDecember1987.

BMW M5 was produced in 4different versions based on intended export locations.These were the left-hand drive (LHD)Euro spec,the right-hand drive (RHD) UK spec,the LHD North American(NA) spec for the United States and Canada,and the RHDSouth African(ZA) spec.

The LHD, RHD Euro Spec M5s and the ZA spec M5s had the M88/3 powerplant which delivered 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) whereas the North American 1988 M5 was equipped with a variant of the M88/3 called the S38 B35 which was equipped with a catalytic converter, which, combined with slightly lower compression of 9.8:1 versus 10.5:1 for the M88/3 reduced the power output to 256 hp (191 kW; 260 PS).The S38 also differed from the M88/3 in that it had a dual-row timing chain as compared to the M88/3's single row timing chain. The S38 B35 was used in the NA-Spec E28 M5 and E24 M6. Late production catalyst equipped versions (117 examples) of the European M635CSi were also equipped with the S38 B35. Initially 500 were to be made for the US Market, BMW later increased production to as many as 1,370 units for the US and Canadian markets, although the generally accepted figure is 1,244 units sold.

TheNorth American spec models are unique,in that technically they were all finished inSchwarz (Black)with Natur(Tan)interiors.The otherwise virtually identical Canadian spec M5s were also available with Black interiors as an option,however a limited number of US Models were also equipped withBlack interiors

United States Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) range from 2791000-2792000 and 2875000-2875320. Car # 2791000 is not known to have been built, and not all VINs are known to have been used. The first few cars built in November and December1986 were issued Federal compliance labels showing a 1/87 build date. As has been speculated earlier, physical confirmation of the VIN of the United States M5 kept in BMW North America///'s Mobile Tradition collection is a 287 series car, a later 1987 build date car.

While every North American spec BMW E28 M5 was a 1988model year car, production ofNorth American specification M5s commenced in November 1986 and ended in November 1987. Excepting 96 units that were assembled in kit form at BMW's Plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, all E28 M5s were assembled by hand at BMW Motorsport in Garching, Germany.

With a total production of 2,191 units, the E28 M5 remains among the rarest regular production BMW Motorsport cars - after the BMW M1 (456 units), BMW E34 M5 Touring (891 units), and the BMW 850CSi (1510 units).

BMW M5 E28 Specifications

* (European) - 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) M88/3 Engine with 10.5:1 Compression. European-Spec M5s were available with a myriad of options unavailable on USA-Spec M5s such as Water Buffalo leather and a Glass Moonroof. LHD cars were equipped with 185TR390 Metric Wheels made by Mahle with 220-55VR390 Michelin TRX tires. RHD Cars were equipped with 16x7.5 BBS wheels with 225-50VR16 Tires - these wheels were not shared with any other model. Air Conditioning was standard on UK Supplied M5s and optional on LHD M5s. It is also notable that very early European-Spec LHD M5s had VINs that started with "WBA" instead of the "WBS" designation to indicate BMW Motorsport. it is estimated that no more than 15 M5s were produced with a "WBA" VIN. European-Spec M5s were available in various colors and with or without leather upholstery. At least one UK specification car is known to have been produced with comfort seats.

* (USA/Canada) - (256 bhp (191 kW) in USA/Canada units) S38B35 Engine with 9.8:1 Compression. All US-Specification M5s were comprehensively optioned. Leather Door Panels, Leather Center Console, Full Trunk Carpeting, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Power Seats, Cruise Control, On-Board Computer, Central Locking and Shadowline Trim were standard. The only option on a US-Specification M5 was electrically heated front seats which were standard equipment on Canadian-Market cars. All North American specification M5s were finished in "Schwarz" or Jet Black. Officially US Specification cars were only available with Natur (Tan) leather interiors, however Black was offered in Canada and a handful of US-Bound cars were built with black interiors.

BMW M5 E28 Performance

At the time of sale, BMW quoted the following 0-60 mph times to give the impression that the E28 M5 did not outperform the more expensive and heavier E24 M635csi.

* Whilst BMW Motorsport did not build any special versions of the E28 M5, the German tuner Hartge produced the Hartge H35S-24, a 330 PS (243 kW; 325 bhp) version of the E28 M5. Main modifications over and above the standard E28 M5 were revised cams, a modified exhaust, modified Bosch Motronic ECU programming, and a revised (and lowered) suspension setup.

* Alpina limited their tuning efforts to the older M30 engine powered models. The Alpina B7 Turbo produced 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) with 0-60 mph times of 4.7 sec and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

BMW M5 E34

The BMW E34 M5 is a continuation of BMW///'s M5 series, based on the 5-series.It was produced from 1988 to 1995, although sales in North America started in 1990 and ended in 1993. It was produced at BMW M GmbH in Garching, Germany and like the previous M5, was entirely hand-built. It utilized the 535i chassis which was produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant. Assembly was done either by a single M employee or a team of M employees and generally took about two weeks. It is rumored that the test drivers of the E34 M5 could determine who or what team made each specific M5, due to characteristic quirks of the handbuilt nature of the E34 M5. The engines were also built by hand by BMW M technicians. All of the E34 M5 powerplants were built to 5% of advertised output.

The early E34 M5 used an evolution of the 24-valve straight-6 found in the E28 M5 and E24 M635CSi/M6. The engine was designated S38B36, with a bore of 93.4 mm (3.677 in) and stroke of 86 mm (3.386 in) for a total capacity of 3,535 cc (215.7 cu in). The added stroke is due to a new forged steel crankshaft, though the camshafts were also changed. Compression ratio was up slightly (10:1 versus 9.8:1). Other adjustments made included an electronically controlled butterfly valve in the intake plenum, which provided better low rpm and mid-range power. The engine also featured an improved flywheel, Bosch Motronic fuel injection, equal length stainless steel exhaust headers, and three way ceramic catalysts. Originally it had a displacement of 3.6 litres, and produced 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp), and 360 N·m (266 ft·lbf) at 4750 rpm. Cars sold in North America and Switzerland, due to a different catalytic converter, produced 229 kW (311 PS; 307 bhp).

BMW M5 E34 Special versions

There were four special editions of the E34 M5. The Cecotto, Winkelhock and 20 Jahre editions which were offered as LHD Euro specification models while the RHD UK Limited edition was only sold in the United Kingdom.

BMW M5 E34: BMW E34 Cecotto Edition

In1991,BMW asked two race drivers to design their "ideal" version of the E34 M5.Johnny Cecotto was one of the drivers and he wanted a host of luxury items fitted on the M5. Including Nappa leather trim for the steering wheel and heated seats. A total of 22 Cecotto E34 M5s were produced with options of having either Lagoon Green metallic (266) and Mauritius Blue metallic paint (287).

BMW M5 E34: BMW E34 Winkelhock Edition

The other racing driver was touring car ace Joachim Winkelhock. He wanted a lightweight BMW E34 M5 and so some luxury items were removed. His ideal lightweight version M5 featured a smaller battery and the US-spec 81L fuel tank as well as reduced sound deadening and the deletion of some non essential interior items such as rear head rests and vanity mirrors. Recaro front seats and a suede 385 mm M-Technic II steering wheel, shift knob & parking brake lever. The seat design, suede-covered appointments & red seatbelts were similar to those on the BMW Sport Evo E30 M3. A total of 51 Winkelhock E34 M5s were produced with the options of having Jet Black (668) with contrasting lower body panels in Sterling Silver metallic paint (244).

BMW M5 E34: BMW E34 20 Jahre Motorsport Edition

To celebrate BMW Motorsport 20th anniversary, BMW had built 20 specially equipped Euro-spec M5s in late 1992. These, based on the 3.8 L engine were only in Mugello Red (274) and had a number of aesthetic trim upgrades such as carbon fiber dash panels and special rear view mirrors. Unique seat center & door trim fabric was matched with Alcantara. Alcantara was also used on the steering wheel, shift lever & parking brake lever. Red seatbelts with "BMW Motorsport" were also included.

BMW M5 E34: BMW E34 UK Limited Edition

To commemorate the end of right-hand drive E34 M5 production, 50 examples of the E34 M5 Limited Edition were assembled between March and June 1995 in one of two unique color and trim combinations: Rosso Red metallic (369) with a Champagne extended leather interior and natural poplar wood trim (15 built) or Orinoco metallic (406) with a Bicolor Petrol and Mint extended leather interior and graphite bird's-eye maple wood trim (35 built). Each E34 M5 Limited Edition is equipped with the three-spoke sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim, power sunroof, power front seats, headlight washers and manual air conditioning. A numbered plaque appears on the center console.

Additionally, 20 M5 Touring models were assembled for distribution in Italy. These were finished in either Sterling Silver over Marine Blue leather, or British Racing Green over Tobacco leather. All were made in 1995. It is debated as to whether or not these cars constitute a true special edition as they were ordered directly by a group of Italian BMW dealers.

These are not to be confused with the Alpina B10 E34 models which are manufactured by Alpina although there are performance similarities but there are significant differences in approach.

BMW M5 E39

Unlike its predecessors, the BMW E39 M5 was not handbuilt at the BMW M GmbH factory; in order to increase production, it was produced on the same assembly line as the normal E39 5-series at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. In fact, the E39 M5 was almost not built at all; BMW believed that the 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) 540i was powerful enough, but when Jaguar released the 272 kW (370 PS; 365 bhp) XJR, and Mercedes-Benz introduced the W210 E55, which had over 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp) BMW responded to the competition with a 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) M5.

Introduced in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show, production did not begin until late October of that year. A total of 20,482 E39 M5s were made from 1999 to 2003. BMW M produced three versions of the E39 M5, the European LHD and RHD versions, and the North American specification version.

The BMW E39 M5 had a highly tuned V8 engine based on the M62 engine called the S62, which displaced 4.9 litres and produced 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp). The engine featured a 7,000 rpm redline, Double-VANOS, which varies the intake and exhaust valves timings for both cylinder banks, and individual throttle butterflies for each of the cylinders, allowing for a much faster engine response time.

BMW M5 E60

The BMW E60 M5 was introduced in 2005. It has a 4,999 cc (305.1 cu in) BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 rpm, and developing a peak output of 507 PS (373 kW; 500 bhp) and 520 N·m (380 lb·ft) of torque. Unlike some other BMW engines which utilise Valvetronic to infinitely vary valve lift to eliminate the throttle plate, this engine has individual throttle bodies per cylinder. The E60 M5 was the world's first production sedan to feature a V10 petrol engine.

Other key features include a stiffened aluminum chassis and a 7-speed SMG III sequential manual gearbox, also known as a single-clutch automated manual transmission. Front fog lights are unavailable for the M5, as the amount of air required to cool the brakes under spirited driving applications requires the spaces under the bumper, normally occupied by fog lights in other E60 cars, to be reallocated for air cooling ducts.

BMW M5 E61: BMW E61 Touring

The BMW E61 M5 Touring was introduced in 2007, only the second M version of the 5-Series Touring after the E34. It shares the same drivetrain with its saloon sibling, and serves as a rival to the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate. The Touring was never offered for sale in North America.

BMW E61 M5 Touring weights slightly less than 2000kg(4,409 lb)and from the factory can reach 175mph(282 km/h),even though the car is electronically limited to 155mph(249 km / h).Jeremy Clarkson,of Top Gear,said of the"BMW M5 is one of the most exciting cars made today.Only now,because this is an estate,your dog can come too.”

BMW M5 F10

The new BMW M5 uses the S63 biturbo 4.4Litre V8 with twin scroll turbocharging technology that is found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M,and the version in the BMW M5 is expected to have an output of 560Hp(418 kW)and 502 ft·lb(681 N·m)of torque. Turbocharging the BMW M5 has not gone unnoticed,with long time fans of the BMW M series being disappointed that BMW seems to be moving away from traditionally high displacement naturally aspirated high-revving engines.Increasingly stringent internationalCO2 emissions and fuel consumption regulations are cited as the cause of death of the outgoing model's V10 engine,and the BMW F10 M5 will cutCO2 emissions by25 %.The other advantage of turbocharging is that it generates considerably more low end torque; the N63 biturbo 4.4 Litre V8(the base engine from which theS63 is derived is the M62 from the E38 7 series and E39 5 series)has advantages over theS85 V10 engine despite having fewer cylinders.